Kate Middleton Topless Pic Scandal Stirs Uproar

Royal family sues French magazine

Kate Middleton and Prince William filed a lawsuit on Friday against the French magazine that published naked photos of the duchess while she was sunbathing with her husband in southern France.

The French tabloid Closer ran a series of photos of the future queen in a “world exclusive,” provoking a stern statement from the palace threatening to take legal action. Inside, there's a five-page spread of the couple relaxing on the balcony at a 19th century hunting lodge, in early September. In one photo, Middleton is seen removing her bikini top; in another, William rubs suntan lotion on her almost-bare bottom.

According to a statement released Friday by St. James's Palace, "Legal proceedings for breach of privacy have been commenced today in France" by the royal couple. Closer's editor, however, stands by the decision to publish the pictures, saying, "These are pictures that are full of joy. The pictures are not degrading."

Another magazine, Italian publication Chi, announced Sunday its plans to run a 26-page special edition featuring some 200 images of Middleton sunbathing naked.  Chi editor tweeted, 'Not even a direct call from the Queen' would stop him from publishing the pictures. (Daily Mail)